Time to write to Foxtel again [Archive]

ndru

29th September 2005, 10:18 PM

I have been searching through the October guide for Foxtel and noticed that The New Yankee Workshop doesn't appear at all. Searching the online Foxtel guide confirms its disappearance. It appears to have been replaced by re-runs of "Hot Auctions", which failed the free-to-air ratings 2 years ago! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Its bad enough that they re-ran 5 year-old NYW episodes, but now they drop the whole show instead of buying more episodes! We're now down to one serious woodworking show on Foxtel, people (except for that new woodturning show)!

Anyone on this forum who is a Norm fan should strongly consider write to Foxtel, using the Mark Latham style guide, demanding the reinstatement of the NYW with new episodes, no less! My letter is already in the post.

legin

30th September 2005, 12:17 AM

When it comes to DIY it seems to me people would rather watch shows with weirdos making things look pretty on a budget (and doing it in a manner that it looks tacky) than watching a show where you actually get shown how they actually make\fix something.

The first DIY shows actually showed a project from start to finish with all the little details. now they just show before and after. I refuse to watch them.

I really hope Woodworks stays on air or I'll be really upset.

Auspiciousdna

30th September 2005, 07:54 AM

I love the NYWS with all the jig’s, tools and machinery it’s enough to make a grown man drool who needs ! And what can you say about that norm nothing other than he’s a damn fine cabinetmaker. They’re still showing this old house right? That a good view as well, I’m really into some of the new building techniques coming out of the states.
No worries they might show more of what not to wear! I hate that show so badly, why are they doing this to us!

bennylaird

30th September 2005, 08:05 AM

Don't mind the English show but have noticed the dropping of shows I used to like.
Whatever happened to The Naked News??????????

ndru

30th September 2005, 10:31 PM

After writing in dismay to the LifeStyle Channel, this was their response.

Dear Andrew,

Thank you for writing to The LifeStyle Channel.

Unfortunately we do not have any immediate plans to buy the new series of "The New Yankee Workshop". I have however included the link to their web site:

http://www.newyankee.com/index.shtml

Thank you for your interest and I hope you continue to enjoy watching The LifeStyle Channel.

What's left to watch on the LifeStyle Channel??? :mad:

I guess I should at least give them credit for responding to me quickly.

Perhaps if enough of us bombard the programming manager via LifeStyle Channel feedback site (http://www.lifestylechannel.com.au/lifestyle/site/feedback.asp) we may see Norm return to Australian screens, at least in the form of re-runs.

Groggy

30th September 2005, 10:42 PM

Perhaps if enough of us bombard the programming manager via LifeStyle Channel feedback site (http://www.lifestylechannel.com.au/lifestyle/site/feedback.asp) we may see Norm return to Australian screens, at least in the form of re-runs.Done!
Maybe we should also picket their offices - we could turn up in plaid shirts and wave pitchforks and burning torches.....:D

Dean

1st October 2005, 12:22 AM

Done, but I'd rather not have them bring back whatever series was just running. We've seen that one 5 times over now :(

lesmeyer

1st October 2005, 02:00 AM

What's left to watch on the LifeStyle Channel??? :mad:

Andrew,
at least you can still see Justin and Colin (the 2 nice boys, and I quote the foxtel schedule "two of television's hottest decorators willing to duke it out it in the name of distinctive design") on Sundays on how to decorate the house. http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gif
Regards
Les

meerkat

1st October 2005, 07:31 AM

Dear Andrew,

Thank you for writing to The LifeStyle Channel.

Unfortunately we do not have any immediate plans to buy the new series of "The New Yankee Workshop". I have however included the link to their web site:

http://www.newyankee.com/index.shtml

Thank you for your interest and I hope you continue to enjoy watching The LifeStyle Channel.

What's left to watch on the LifeStyle Channel??? :mad:

This is why i decided not to put foxtel on when i moved into the new house. Their ongoing ability to take your money, charge you for a paper record of your bill then make the difference between them and free to air even less, so why pay the money ?

Andrew

Auspiciousdna

1st October 2005, 08:30 AM

Done this is what I sent!
(It seems that more and more of the Lifestyle channel is geared towards female viewers, not that women shouldn’t have shows for inspiration, but men also need their Lifestyles to be expressed as a source of inspiration to tackle all the in jobs our women feel passionate about! (The flower box, the walk in pantry and spots new house).
Sure Changing rooms is great, but the New Yankee Workshop is a show that affect men, just as much as women are by What not to wear! It would be much appreciated by all men who take great interest in the lifestyle channels shows on craftsmanship, building and renovation, if the New Yankee Workshop is continued.
Thank you for taking time to read my concerns.)

boxers

1st October 2005, 09:33 AM

done. Iam getting sick of them showing re runs and taking our money for all these pretty girly and guy presenters.!!!!!!!!!!!#@@@@@@

Boxers

Rocker

1st October 2005, 09:41 AM

Sure Changing rooms is great

So you are telling them you enjoy watching a show where they make bookshelves out of painted MDF, and where they try to convince viewers that it is cool to paint the walls of a room in alternating shades of orange and purple? Ah well, there is no accounting for tastes ...

Rocker

joez

1st October 2005, 09:48 AM

Done, we are now down to just david marks :(

I hope they bring NYW back, there not much else on foxtel worth paying for.

Joe

46150

1st October 2005, 10:09 AM

I have just sent an email to Deathstyle channel voicing my displeasure with their programming incompetance........perhaps if we all took up the cudgels and aired our displeasure,would the programming/bean counters listen?????????Regards ...AL

Auspiciousdna

1st October 2005, 10:34 AM

So you are telling them you enjoy watching a show where they make bookshelves out of painted MDF, and where they try to convince viewers that it is cool to paint the walls of a room in alternating shades of orange and purple? Ah well, there is no accounting for tastes ...

Rocker

We know it's crap, are you going to tell them that? You catch my flies with sugar my friend

Ticky

4th October 2005, 01:11 AM

While I agree that its nice to be nice, it dose'nt hurt to let them know that there are a few people that are more than just a little annoyed either. The more people that actually send them some feed back & tell them we are not happy about this, the better.

If you are a member or just a visitor interested enough to read this thread, then support what we are trying to & go to http://www.lifestylechannel.com.au/lifestyle/site/feedback.asp & tell them what you think

ticky

Cagey

4th October 2005, 09:09 AM

about 18 months ago i signed up for digital cos i had seen all of Norms episodes a couple of times, and was lured by "How to" channel and David Marks "Woodworks", but i havent seen a new episode for at least six months, and they just keep replaying them, so if you are tempted, dont waste your money.

corbs

4th October 2005, 12:36 PM

If you are a member or just a visitor interested enough to read this thread, then support what we are trying to & go to http://www.lifestylechannel.com.au/lifestyle/site/feedback.asp & tell them what you think

ticky

Done my bit...:)

jshaw

4th October 2005, 01:07 PM

Done - should I start holding my breath?

John

bjn

4th October 2005, 01:26 PM

I've also done my bit:rolleyes: :) .

bjn

Tiger

4th October 2005, 01:50 PM

This is typical of Television channels short-sightedness. What about us poor boys who have only Free to air. We have to content ourselves with Better Homes and Gardens (with their 2 minute woodworking segment) and Big Brother etc.

Interestingly though last week they were giving away Triton workbenches.

Ticky

4th October 2005, 03:40 PM

Done - should I start holding my breath?

John

Only if you think it will help

DPB

4th October 2005, 04:35 PM

ndru

4th October 2005, 04:58 PM

Well, I did my bit as well. But I got a different response.

"Dear DPB,

Thank you for writing to The LifeStyle Channel.

We are no longer screening The New Yankee Workshop but I have heard that the How to Channel have picked up the series.

If you would like to find out more about their scheduling for the series you should contact them on the website below.

http://www.howtochannel.com.au (http://www.howtochannel.com.au/)

Thank you for your interest and I hope you continue to enjoy The LifeStyle Channel.

Regards,

Programme Manager
The LifeStyle Channel"

That's interesting. I initially wrote to the How To Channel (HTC) about the disappearance of NYW, only to be told that they had no responsibility for purchasing the series and that I should contact the LifeStyle Channel (LSC). :confused:

My guess is that LSC is growing weary of the complaints and is now attempting to handball the problem off to HTC.

I have just recently written to HTC to clarify LSC's statement as told to DPB -I'll be interested in the response.

If HTC did pick up NYW with new episodes :eek: I'd be happy as I already subscribe to the platinum package. However, I agree it would be a move designed only to encourage Foxtel subscribers to upgrade their subscriptions. It would completely suck if HTC picked up NYW only to re-run the re-runs as a way to fill the gap left by the Great British Workshop or some other HTC show about the depart.

corbs

4th October 2005, 05:10 PM

ndru

4th October 2005, 05:53 PM

I have just recently written to HTC to clarify LSC's statement as told to DPB - I'll be interested in the response.

This was HTC's very prompt although non-committal response:

Nothing is confirmed at this stage. We have had a quick chat about it -
so we'll see what happens.

Bakes

4th October 2005, 05:54 PM

Guys,

Yep I got exactly the same reply from foxtel. Funnily enough there is no mention of Norm visiting the how to channel.

Cheers,

Bakes

boban

4th October 2005, 08:24 PM

I got the same response as Don.

Groggy

4th October 2005, 10:30 PM

They are making a good argument for the use of torrents...

graemecarson

4th October 2005, 11:49 PM

Done my bit.

Why, why why have you deleted the New Yankee Workshop from your schedule? Do you really want to lose all the woodworkers you have as viewers? I have had payTV for almost as long as it has been on air and i have never been moved to protest before. You have done it. Thank goodness Lifestyle is just one of many channels and at least How to has Woodworks. Please bring Norm back - or its goodbye from me and goodbye from all the woodworkers of Australia. HOW COULD YOU? Why not remove the titty twosome of "What not to show on TV" fame instead? Come on guys - put it back - even repeats are better than garbage!!!

No response yet!!

Ticky

4th October 2005, 11:51 PM

I also wrote to How To as well as Lifestyle. I got the same responce as you guys from Lifestyle & here is What How to had to say.

Hi Steve,
Thanks for your note - you are not the first person to send us a note
regarding this.

We are having a chat with a few people to see what we can do.

Cheers,
HOW TO Team

While it is too early to call at this stage, I believe that the pressure being applied by the members of this forum, & in particular, you guys, may very well win the day.

Lifestyle will not run with it, so I believe we now need to send more emails to How To.

If you have mates on the forum that have not yet found this thread, tell them what is happening here, try to get them involved.

Keep up the good work.

ticky

lesmeyer

5th October 2005, 12:29 AM

Did my bit for the WW fraternity. Hope the HTC will come to the party. Patronised them a little and then begged for the shows we want to see.
Les
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gif

Firewalker

5th October 2005, 12:39 AM

I really hope Woodworks stays on air or I'll be really upset.

Tis my favorite show!!!

seriph1

5th October 2005, 07:43 AM

well folks, welcome to my world of around 1.5 years ago. This Old House was the reason I bought Austar (country version of Foxtel)....... got the same response when it disappeared, with an assurance though only on the phone that they'd be right onto me as soon as they secured the rights to the new series - it was a lie...... an exec from the channel explained to me that "lifestyle channel" has next to NO power over content tnad that it is all determined by those in the managerial ether....... they keep bloodywell calling me every few months and again and again I explain to them why I left........ I am sorry to hear Normie is now gone as well - pathetic. Looks like Pirate Pete from the States is gonna make a killing selling his copies of the show to Aussies, which also makes me sad ..... and "no" I don't know his email address :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

RufflyRustic

5th October 2005, 07:58 AM

A bit late, but I've sent off my passionate plea for more decent woodworking shows, new series and if so maybe I'll reconsider canning my subscription. Heck I might even upgrade to digital.

Cheers
RufflyRustic

Samson13

5th October 2005, 03:07 PM

Done my bit too. I subscribe to Optus. I don't know whether the How To Channel is available on Optus, even aqs an extra. They took ESPN away after I subscribed and they made it an extra. Now I don't care too much about ESPN, except for the European & Champions League soccer, but I only became a subscriber in the first place because of sport. Now that Lifestyle's taken off Norm (even though it was repeated over & over), I don't see why I shouldn't cancel my subscription altogether. There quite frankly is little else on Optus that is of interest to me.

seriph1

5th October 2005, 03:17 PM

makes me want to create my own show again

lesmeyer

5th October 2005, 09:37 PM

G'day.

this is the answer I received from How To Channel:
Hi Les,

All we can say is that we are talking to Lifestyle Channel about it at the moment only because people like you have emailed us.
They will get back to us about the future of the show.
We like the show too - and as you know good wood working shows are rare.
If we did get it in the future we would only be interested in the new
series.

Cheers,
HOW TO Team

Les http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gif

gpsmith

5th October 2005, 11:38 PM

Well you blokes seem to have had more response from either Lifestyle and HTC than I have. I subscribe to Optus and wrote a feedback comment in the Lifestyle forum - they said they would reply - I wrote the comment and made a contribution to their bulletin board/forum on Saturday arvo and have not yet heard from them.
All I can hope is that we can put enough pressure on as a group and get some new shows on Lifestyle - I really don't see much value in going digital or even keeping cable with so few Practical shows on the channels.

regards,

graemecarson

5th October 2005, 11:46 PM

Yep - I just checked email and got the same reply. I also emailed the New Yankee Web site today. Message went along the lines of " Help - Australia is Normless" What can you do to help us get Norm back on Aussie TV screens - Can you put a whole series on DVD - etc etc. Doubt there will be a response but you never know. Everybody loves an audience in that game and I may have exaggerated a bit about how many of us there were....!

I just think we should keep the pressure on Lifestyle (who have not responded yet).

Maybe we should look at how many woodworking related types of sponsors there are on Lifestyle and start an email campaign about boycotting tool and service purchases if they sponsor a channel that doesnt support woodworking programmes.

Ticky

6th October 2005, 12:27 AM

I just think we should keep the pressure on Lifestyle

Sorry mate, but I don't agree. I think Lifestyle have made it clear that They will not be running NYW any more.

With the pressure applied by the readers of this thread, we stand a real good chance of seeing Norm on How To. It appears that How To are interested in picking up the show now & they appear to be currently in negotiations with Lifestyle:
Hi Les,

All we can say is that we are talking to Lifestyle Channel about it at the moment only because people like you have emailed us.
They will get back to us about the future of the show.
We like the show too - and as you know good wood working shows are rare.
If we did get it in the future we would only be interested in the new
series.

Cheers,
HOW TO Team

Ticky

seriph1

6th October 2005, 08:11 AM

NYW and THis Old House always reply to my emails, but it does take a while. As mentioned previously, Optus, Foxtel Austar etc. are all retailers of the product and for better of worse, have little power when it comes to program content. In fact The Lifestyle Channel has little power too - I know..... it's lunacy. I had lengthy discussions with them all when TOH was dropped. A consortium buys program content from wherever and then assembles it into groups THEN tells Lifestyle or whoever what they can get - it must be extremely hard to predict what people will like but then you'd think they would bloodywell listen to their audience who is trying to tell them!

Also as mentioned, I was preparing a strategic plan for a series that was akin to Normie's where viewers would be guided through making heirloom pieces. Had suppliers, materials, netwrok interest and makers/presenters. It wasnt expensive to make in the world of TV at around $300,000 and considering there is a world market of woodies, seemed like the groundfloor investor would be a very happy chappy in a relatively short period of time. But, as you would all appreciate, "it's gonna be great" and "I just know it will sell" are not excellent aids to getting funding. it isn't dead but the creators need to pay bills and feed families so it is on hold.

Speaking of eating - it's brekky time

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

have fun

graemecarson

6th October 2005, 09:45 AM

Ticky, I wasn't suggesting we stop showing How To how many of us there are but that we apply pressure to all available points - one of which is Lifestyle. I have been in advertising and marketing all my working life and most of the time as a writer and producer of TV commercials and planner of advertising and marketing campaigns. If there is one thing irresistable to any advertising medium it is a quantifiable audience - especially one which gets up and makes itself known about issues important to it. The more we pressure Lifestyle, the more Norm and NYW become a money making commodity for sale to advertisers with a woody bent. The same goes for How To - the more we push - the more valuable the commodity we want. The media can go to their market with a bunch of statistics that say "when we tried to discontinue it this happened - or we are going to run this because we got such a reaction when another channel went to drop it." And pay tv in this countery needs quantifiable audience to become a viable contender for the ad dollar. Thats why I also went to the NYW website. It's another pressure point where we can show we are a keen and loyal audience. Every little bit countsno matter how small we think our individual contributions may be or how futile we think the journey may be.

Cheers,

Graeme C

jshaw

6th October 2005, 01:11 PM

Since Norm is PBS in the US I thought I'd see if the ABC could be convinced to solve our problem. I sent this:

Hello,

I write more in hope than anything else. Please forward this note to the relevant people.

There is a special interest woodworking programme called "The New Yankee Workshop" (http://www.newyankee.com/index.shtml), made by WGBH in the USA and much loved by hobby woodworkers all over the English-speaking world. In Australia this programme has only been available through Lifestyle Channel, and even then only in very old repeats. Lifestyle have recently decided to stop repeating the one series they have and to drop it from their schedule.

There are a lot of interested people out here who would like to see this programme regularly. I understand that it is a PBS product in the US and, so, I wondered if perhaps the ABC might be interested in looking into gaining broadcasting rights in Australia, perhaps for ABC2.

Of course, I realise the ABC is far from awash with cash and that us woodworkers are a fairly small interest group, but nothing ventured, nothing gained as far as we are concerned. There is currently a discussion thread on the Woodworking Australia forum (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=21973) that might give you an idea of the interest in this programme amongst our small group. Maybe the silent majority are just waiting to have Norm Abrams unleash their inner woodworker!

If you got here, thanks for reading this far.

Best wishes,

seriph1

6th October 2005, 02:59 PM

bloody nice letter

Ticky

7th October 2005, 02:25 AM

Graeme C,

Given your experiance in the media, you know a lot more about this than I do & I agree that all pressure on all parties concerned is good pressure, but when you said "I just think we should keep the pressure on Lifestyle" I, as I am sure many other readers, assumed you meant keeping pressure on Lifestyle & forget about How To or any body else, would be the way to go.

The point I would like to make is that the readers of this thread have turned this situation from AXED NYW to MAYBE NYW but on a different channel

I think that most readers have emailed Lifestyle & got a negitive response, but our combined efforts have got How To interested. In my opinion, Anybody that has not yet emailed How To should do so & get your mates to do so as well, even if they are boilermakers & don't even know who Norm is.

I in no way inteded to upset you Graeme, I just dissagreed with you. Sorry.

Ticky

seriph1

7th October 2005, 08:10 AM

The problem with this argument, whish is a fair on I think, is that from my memory the HowTo channel is in the premium package so subscribers have to shell out even more money for the privelage of watching it. I reckon they'd get a huge number of emails/calls from disgruntled customers because I reckon they chop programs all the time.

graemecarson

7th October 2005, 10:04 AM

Hey Ticky,

No offence taken and I hope none given. I, like all of us who would hate to see Norm disappear from our screens, am only upset about Lifestyle's attitude, and, having knowledge from a different perspective, just want us to take every opportunity. I think it is a credit to everyone who has taken action on this for what they have done and are doing to have Norm retained and perhaps even revitalised on ANY channel. As for Seriph1's comment about How To being on the Platinum package - it is somewhat of an impost, but I think a small price to pay for the priviledge - especially if How To does take NYW up for us.

I intend to keep pushing every chance I can - even think I will send Lifestyle, How To and Norm's Webmaster a URL for this forum to let them see the kind of audience they're missing out on.

So yes folks - lets get everyone we can think of to send all three if necessary as many emails as possible. We might even be able to jam up Lifestyles feedback area with protests if we try hard enough - but lets be kind to How To and just send them encouragement.

Cheers,

Graeme C.

jshaw

20th October 2005, 09:50 AM

This is the follow on from my letter to the ABC. Not a resounding success but maybe a faint hope. At least if they ran with it those of us that can't justify throwing ALL our cash at Foxtel for the Platinum package would get to see Normie too...

"Dear John

Thank you for your email regarding The New Yankee Workshop.

Regrettably the ABC does not hold the broadcast rights for this program however your
comments have been forwarded on to our Television Programming Department for their
consideration for future programming. We are constantly assessing all of our
programming to ensure we are providing our audience with the types of programs they
require and your comments will play a part in this process of program evaluation.

I appreciate you taking the time to contact us and for your interest in the ABC.

Best regards

ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs"

seriph1

20th October 2005, 01:09 PM

thanks John - good to be kept in the loop. FWIW I have spoken with several people regarding an idea I had a couple of years ago to do with a NYW/TOH style show created in Australia. Will let folks know if/as discussions progress. Anyone who might be interested in sharing their ideas is welcome to PM me.

have fun!

BrettC

20th October 2005, 01:32 PM

I've emailed 'NYW' and 'How To'. I just wanted to have a few Woodworking shows to watch when I finally put my hands in my pockets a couple of months ago. Now all that's left is Dave Marks!

I think that the 'How to' channel is probably the right channel for NYW and a commercial decision will need to be made by that channel but I suspect that Joe public IS interested in fixing/making things around the home and WOULD consider upgrading or even joining Foxtel for the 'How to' channel (like me) to get good instructional shows that he can watch every week. I agree with others not the commercial crap that is the stready diet elsewhere, I though How to was there to fill the void in shows that were actually useful instead of the entertainment (brain dead) crap. Am I being too harsh???(Roy)......

John Wilson

20th October 2005, 01:40 PM

30+ years ago, I used to watch a Mitre 10 sponsored program on Brisbane TV. IT was in Black and White, ran on saturday mornings.

The presentor was very knowledgeable, would build a project from scratch during the 30 min, or show some aspect of home repair.

I was 10, and I would say this program had a major impact on my interest in woodworking.

Watching the current group of DIY programs, they are high on marketing, and low on content.

BrettC

20th October 2005, 01:57 PM

John,

Fully agree. The B&W show sounds interesting, goes to show that the concept isn't new but these days has become (to steal someone else's words) 'before and after' with some weird presenter...

I just think it's pretty sad when you have to buy DVD's from America / UK to watch the stuff that you want to watch and that will actually help you learn techniques or build things, woodworking is actually a pretty common / universal hobby which appeals to many and can be related to many other hobbies you just have to look at this BB to see that.

Ticky

20th October 2005, 06:03 PM

At least if they ran with it those of us that can't justify throwing ALL our cash at Foxtel for the Platinum package would get to see Normie too...

G'day Jshaw,

I agree that Foxtel is expensive & to celebrate their 10th birthday, they made it a bit more expensive, but you don't need to have the Platinum package to watch the How To & Lifestyle channels.

I sent an email to How To 2 nights ago to find out the latest news & to help keep the ball rolling. Last night, How To sent me a reply saying they are waiting to see what Lifestyle are goin to do with the show & I sent How to a copy of an email that Lifestyle sent to me stating that they would not be screaning NYW & that How To might be picking it up. Still no reply.

I think it would be a good idea to send how to an email & ask about the latest news on NYW even if you only did last week. Chances are they will take more notice of the total number of inquiries they get, rather that how many inquiries they get from each person.

So put finger (or fingers if you are clever) to Keyboard & keep the inquiries rolling in to How To or ABC or who ever you think can help to get Norm OFF THE COUCH, & us on it.

ticky

micknews

22nd November 2005, 01:54 PM

After being one of the many to write to the Lifestyle Channel re them cancelling NYW I finally received a reply from them today (sent the email on Sept. 30th so they work very fast over there!!). I enclose the text here.......

Dear Michael,
Thank you for writing to The LifeStyle Channel.
We are no longer screening The New Yankee Workshop but I have heard that the How to Channel have picked up the series.
If you would like to find out more about their scheduling for the series you should contact them on the website below.
www.howtochannel.com.au
Thank you for your interest and I hope you continue to enjoy The LifeStyle Channel.
Regards,
Programme Manager
The LifeStyle Channel......

I checked the How to website but couldn't find anything there re NYW so I sent them an email asking when it was going to be on. Might get a reply by the end of the year if they are anything like Lifestyle.

Mick.

ndru

22nd November 2005, 02:00 PM

Hopefully the How To Channel will pick it up in the near future, but I doubt that we'll see it back on Foxtel this year.

If I don't see it appear in the February program guide I'm going to write yet another email to the How To Channel.

BTW, I've just noticed that the How To Channel is now into its third (or at least second) re-run cycle of David Marks' Wood Works.

C'mon Foxtel - lift your game!

Paul B

22nd November 2005, 09:25 PM

After being one of the many to write to the Lifestyle Channel re them cancelling NYW I finally received a reply from them today (sent the email on Sept. 30th so they work very fast over there!!). I enclose the text here.......

Dear Michael,
Thank you for writing to The LifeStyle Channel.
We are no longer screening The New Yankee Workshop but I have heard that the How to Channel have picked up the series.
If you would like to find out more about their scheduling for the series you should contact them on the website below.
www.howtochannel.com.au (http://www.howtochannel.com.au)
Thank you for your interest and I hope you continue to enjoy The LifeStyle Channel.
Regards,
Programme Manager
The LifeStyle Channel......

I checked the How to website but couldn't find anything there re NYW so I sent them an email asking when it was going to be on. Might get a reply by the end of the year if they are anything like Lifestyle.

Mick.

Mick I received the exact same email from them today. I guess they sent the same email to the lot of us.

Cagey

22nd November 2005, 09:37 PM

The How to Channel "Bah Humbug". They dont seem terribly intersted in us blokes anymore (excuse me ladies).
Martha Stewart Living
In Marthas Garden
Marthas kitchen
At home with Martha
As Jan said "Martha, Martha Martha"
dont forget Knitty Gritty
American quilt etc, etc.
Interest for me weigning

Groggy

22nd November 2005, 10:00 PM

I got the email too, not only did they take our show away, the baskets spammed us with a form reply.

I wonder if they'll comment on the cancelled subscription, fat chance I guess. Still, another half hour in the shop...

micknews

23rd November 2005, 11:38 PM

Well The How To Channel were much faster answering my query re NYW.
This is what they had to say.........

Hi Michael,

At this stage nothing is confirmed. We are in initial discussions with
the New Yankee Workshop people but that is all.

Hopefully we will know more so stay tuned for an update.

Cheers
The HOW TO Team..........

Or perhaps I should say it's what they didn't say, because it told me stuff all!!

I am also getting a bit peed off with Foxtel, replacing shows I am interested in with crap or replaying repeats of repeats. They must not realise that there are some intelligent people watching Foxtel who realise a new show is a repeat of one they saw 12 months ago. Come on Foxtel, use some of the expensive subscription rates we are paying to buy new series of the shows we all know and love!!!

Mick.

ndru

6th January 2006, 03:51 PM

I recently received an email from the How To Channel regarding the NYW. This is their response to my initial query:

We have now officially picked up the New Yankee Workshop. We will begin
showing new epsiodes in April. The exact time is yet to be confirmed.

Cheers
The HOW TO Team

I'm sure that many of you who emailed the HTC are also getting this email.

HTC's star is rising! I'm sure our flood of emails did something to push this along, too :D

Grunt

6th January 2006, 05:06 PM

Well done everyone.

micknews

6th January 2006, 05:20 PM

Yup! Got the same email. Good on the Howto Channel for keeping us informed.

Roll on April *S*.

Mick.

seriph1

6th January 2006, 07:25 PM

I have around 80 "Normies" backed uip onto DVD so far - still going on the This Old House's .......Obviously I am very glad of the news, but I will wait until April before buying any party poppers ..... also, the How To Channel is an additional cost over a standard subscription, I believe so I would be interested to know what other WORTHWHILE shows I could get that are dedicated to either Furniture making, restoration, architecture or home renovations.

graemecarson

6th January 2006, 07:44 PM

Yep, I got the same message. And yes - the How To channel is part of Fox Digital. I have the Platinum Package which includes all channels and a couple of Box Office movies each month. "How To" features quite a lot of Woodworker interest including shows on Tools & Techniques, Woodcarving, Wood Works which is David Marks' programme, a general Modern Masters programme which features woodworking masters, home renovation and construction programmes and many others which are fringe woodworking interest programmes. I find the cost well worth it for How to and Sports alone - especially if you have a DVD recorder or VHS recorder.

Ticky

7th January 2006, 01:05 AM

Well done everyone who emailed both How to & Lifstyle. I agree with NDRU that possibly the readers of this forum had a lot to do with this happy outcome, & I would like to also thank NDRU for starting this thread as well as everybody who emailed howto. I am sure that a lot of non members also deserve a pat on the back for their part as well.

Here is a greenie NDRU for community service

steve

ndru

14th March 2006, 12:34 PM

I just got the following email from the How To Channel :

<i> You may be aware that HOW TO Channel was planning to premiere the New
Yankee Workshop on 6 April 2006.

We sincerely regret to inform you that unfortunately we will not be able
to do this as planned , and it is unlikely that we will be able to do so
in the near future.

The reason being that we were unable to finalise a licence to broadcast
the series in Australia with the program's distributors. We are
extremely disappointed by this outcome and acknowledge our viewers
desire to see the series on the HOW TO Channel. If there was ever a show
that was meant to be on our channel, it is the New Yankee Workshop.

However, we have left the door open with the distributors and would
welcome the series on the HOW TO Channel in the future should the
opportunity come knocking again.</i>

I have responded with my disappointment with this news and that I will be reconsidering my re-subscription when it falls due in preference for saving my money and spending it on things that are more interesting than endless re-runs of David Marks (who I admire) or featherweight DIY shows that make junk in fru-fru colours.:mad:

micknews

14th March 2006, 12:46 PM

Got the same email. The worst news for us NYW fans. I assume it must be over "How Much will you pay". Let's just hope that there is some renegotiation in the near future and The NYW ends up on our screens. Maybe it's time to go to the Source of the show and see if Norm can help somehow. Who knows, maybe he would take note of his fans here and coerce the Distributors to give a little.
The one plus was that The How to channel people took the trouble to let those who had contacted them know what was going on.

Mick.

joez

14th March 2006, 02:12 PM

oh well, I was going to give the DIY channel 3 months (thats when my subscription expires) to get NYW.

Looks like I'll be saving myself the $75 a month now for sure.

joez

Bob Willson

14th March 2006, 02:45 PM

If it is costing $75 a month for the Foxtel cable and (most of) you say that Norm is the just about the ONLY reason you have Foxtel; then why not cancel your subscriptions and use the money saved to buy the DVDs from USA?

Not forgetting of course to let $Foxtel know precisely what you are doing.

seriph1

14th March 2006, 02:47 PM

I have to say I am not surprised that the show wasn't picked up again. I had heard from an insider that they didn't consider its highly specialised content, and therefore limited market, worthwhile. P155E5 me off though! I have been buying all the This Old House series video tapes I can from the States (big money, but worth every cent) and had tried to get NYW's as well but they're just too expensive at between US$16-$25 per episode. Luckily I had recorded more than 50 episodes and have now backed them up onto DVD.

BTW there are no satellite feeds from the US to Australia that contain any PBS broadcasts, so no use spending big bucks trying that avenue. None of the downloadable feeds that are now being sold on the net contain this stuff either....so I guess it's back to the drawing board

all I need now is Normy to show me how to make a damn drawing board!

:(

Chris Parks

15th March 2006, 12:05 AM

I am surprised they are not on bittorrent (and I have searched). It would be nice if someone would do it. Has anyone got any contact with someone in the US?

ndru

16th March 2006, 02:15 PM

I am surprised they are not on bittorrent (and I have searched). It would be nice if someone would do it. Has anyone got any contact with someone in the US?

Actually, I have seen the occassional episode turn up on newsgroups (ie Usenet), not that I'm advocating that sort of thing ;)

ndru

17th March 2006, 01:32 AM

LOL! :rolleyes:

Someone (name withheld) gave me a blue reputation mark on this thread! I didn't abandon the purchase of NYW - the HOW TO Channel did!

Anyway, if others are interested in swapping old NYW episodes I have about 15+ episodes backed up on DVD. Drop me a PM and I'll arrange a swap with you.

Now, I just need to index what episodes I have... :o

garry's brain

27th March 2006, 08:05 AM

This could almost be an April fool joke. Typical of the way the electronic media treats it's viewers.

Great forum by the way.

Regards.

Chris Parks

28th March 2006, 11:39 PM

I have found a site that the NYW can be downloaded from. This isn't for the quota challenged as it is 5.3 gig! I don't know what the protocol is with this sort of thing in this forum. Should I post the link. Mr Moderater may like to advise on this?

seriph1

29th March 2006, 12:00 AM

thanks for the offer Mini, but I think we would be stretching it to accept your kiind offer of said link .... not that I speak for the moderator or the million others who may wish to PM you

:D

have fun!

Chris Parks

30th March 2006, 10:47 AM

I have recieved quite a few PM's regarding this (I wonder why??) and have have replied. If there are any not replied to please resend as I suspect I am missing one message.

Chris Parks

2nd April 2006, 10:42 PM

I have received several PM's concerning the possibility of downloading this NYW episodes. They are not complete episodes but exerpts and several people have reported problems which prevent the download. My apologies to all as I have been away for some days and have only found out about this just now. I have heaps of PM's and this appears to be the quickest way to let you all know about this problem.

Scally

6th April 2006, 11:04 PM

I was excited to see NYW in the FOXTEL program for tonight and sat with finger paused on the VCR.

The program's female presenter looks nothing like Norm.

I thought it was too good to be true and it was.

At least the David Marks' show is one I don't remember seeing.

Chris Parks

15th April 2006, 03:20 PM

I have this afternoon replied to all those who PM'd me regarding my offer of supplying a link to download the NYW. Please check your PM's and anyone else who is interested please PM me. I now have a solution to the download problem. Those who have received my PM please reply to my email address if you could. Thanks.

garry's brain

18th February 2007, 06:49 PM

I came across this site last week http://www.a2btv.com/.
I just watched a brand new episodes of, The New Yankee Workshop and This Old house live using Directv in the U.S.
I gotta tell ya it's not a bad service if you can afford it.
The best part about it is, you get a dvr that records the shows for you to stream at your convenience.
It streams via a slingbox which is located in the U.S and you load the slingbox software on your computer which hopefully is attached to the tv.
It's pretty impressive and is a way to get around foxtel not doing the right thing by us.

seriph1

16th October 2007, 08:39 PM

Just thought I would let everyone know .... just in case .... THIS OLD HOUSE is on (Starting tonight, Tuesday 16th October 07) week nights at 7pm on the Lifestyle Channel and at 9pm on Lifestyle+2 - it is a repeat of the Cambridge Massachusetts season, but a very good one it is, as the boys depart from the 100+ year old projects to do a 50's style home with some very interesting design features. Personally, I am very glad about this as I am missing 4 or 5 episodes of the season. So it's TOH aplenty for me, at least for a week or two! :D:D:D:D:D Love it - and in fact, am really enjoying other shows on the Lifestyle Channel, namely, GRAN DESIGNS, DREAM HOUSE, and on the HOW TO Channel, PROJECT: RESTORATION on Sunday nights. All solid shows with decent levels of detail. YAY!

seriph1

16th October 2007, 08:43 PM

thought folks may like to see the show's webpage relating to this project.

http://search.thisoldhouse.com/TOHSearch/toh/search/search.html?search=The%20Cambridge%20House&src=toh

gpsmith

16th October 2007, 08:46 PM

Thanks Seriph,
I was disappointed when I could not see TOH on the usual time - the Texas remodel was an interesting series - enjoyed the energy and water conservation aspects of the show(s).
Foxtel or Lifestyle - seem to enjoy bouncing these types of programs around - it is very hard to set up a regular viewing time! They must be subtly trying to get us to get us to get their special deskstop recording package or something!
Regards,

FXST01

16th October 2007, 09:52 PM

Done my bit :2tsup:

What was happened to the New Yankee Workshop? The shows you did run were repeats and now even they are gone. Get rid of these nancy boy stuff you have on instead and show some real DIY shows. My wifes nagging me to quit Foxtel as its a waste of money and frankly I'm starting to agree.

Bring back Norm and his show.